Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“I would say I learned the value of service while in the US ARMY. With that I have built a business around just that, service.”

Nathan House - CODE 3 Public Safety Gear

“Preparation and organization. Meeting deadlines, commitments and greater respect for our country and honor and respect for our fellow country men.”

Lawrence Daniels - Da Arla Tax Services

“Professionalism and teamwork were skills I honed in the USAF.”

Gregory Pierce - ENGISYSTEMS Inc.

“It gave me a chance to have HUGE responsibility at a very early age. I was in charge of some very high profile programs. This experience propelled me into having the skills needed for entrepreneurship!”

Jeffrey Luckado - IMPACT Homebuyers Group, Corp

“Military service has made me an even more responsible person!”

Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections LLC

“Being trained in supervision, discipline and attention to detail.”

Bernard Schuyler - Arctic Sky Excavating, LLC

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”

Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators

“I became more confident in myself to the point if someone else is doing well I could to.”

Gary Wainwright - Zrii International

“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC

“The Army Infantry taught me humility, honest, and confidence. How to train and deal with people. Most importantly, your word is your bond.”

Scott Kersjes - Innovative Facilities Solutions, Inc.

“The discipline and rigid routines have prepared me to be honest, trustworthy, and above punctual in my approach to all of my inspection activities.”

Thomas Spoor - Quality Home Inspection

“I was selected as the lead team leader into Baghdad because of my abilities. Leadership being paramount among them. The military trained me to master a task quickly and be able to teach it to others and lead them in a short period of time.”

Nickolas Starling - Veterans Venture

“I am better prepared to take leadership positions and handle adverse conditions properly.”

Kim Carevic - Kim's Trucking Co. Inc.

“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”

Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders

“Higher work standards, better people skills, higher quality product efficiency!”

Roger Newcomer - Dick's Speed-O-Tach, Inc.

“Being an Infantry officer in the Army is about health, fitness and self-defense of our nation, through leadership of others. Teaching traditional Kung Fu is all about helping others develop health, fitness, self-defense, and leadership skills.”

Doyle Perry - United Martial Arts

“Motivation, Discipline, and Foresight!”

John Paff - EAR Alaska

“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”

Steven Fikes - SFX Electric

“As a Retied Command Master Chief, USN, my military experience prepared me to be a better business owner through visible leadership, team work, hands on management, and a strong moral compass.”

Barry Hemphill - Green Things

“During my 21 years in the military, I have developed my discipline and attention to detail that I use everyday as a business owner. My biggest asset is STANDARDS, and that is why it's in the company name "Military Standards Window Cleaning.”

Scott Pearce - Military Standards Window Cleaning LLC

“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”

Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers

“I'm built to be a better leader and much more confidence now.”

carlos gutierrez - CD Phone Home Inc.

“Military service prepared me to be an effective leader in all kinds of situations. It taught me to be a better decision maker and to be fair and equitable in my dealings with others.”

James Boles - BTI

“The military taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“Leadership training and concept of personal Duty and Honor.”

Mark Preson - Operations and Engineering

“As a Master Training Specialist with the USN I gained valuable teaching experience that helped the transition to the private sector.”

H.G. Laragione - Maritime Institute Inc.

“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”

Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections

“I learned the basic from the military, respect all people and do my best for the mission at hand... that reflects the way I handle my business.”

DAVID SMITH - S&S Towing

“I was intent on starting a business where I could help give back to the servicemen and women that showed me the meaning of Integrity and Discipline. These are the very ethics that I have brought from the Marines into my organization.”

Mark Llano - Source One Distributors, Inc.

“Taught me how to deal with stress!”

Marty Katz - QBD Consulting, Inc

“Positive, can do attitude where failure is not an option as well as leadership qualities which helped motivate and support my employees.”

David Fisher - Military Supply Coins

“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”

John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply

“Provided training, education, experience and ethical core values.”

Jay Marzulli - Biz Web Wiz Web Design

“Organizational Skills - Paying attention to details!”

Jay Giese - American Pride Industrial Equipment and Services LLC

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“The Navy gave me direction and allowed me to see opportunities that I thought were out of reach. It also taught me to be organized.”

Morgan Le Vally - Morgan Marine LLC

“To better understand and appreciate the freedom that we have in the United States Of America. The discipline that the U.S. Army instilled in me was outstanding. Teamwork was the next item that I have been able to use every day in my life.”

Ernie Ratcliffe - Nu Skin Enterprises Rep - Ernie Ratcliffe

“Serving in the military gave me a good sense of direction and ethical business practices as well as a hard-working and responsible lifestyle.”

Michael Friedberg - Secure Standards, LLC

“Serving in our military has taught me the discipline necessary to manage the day to day operations of my business!”

Edward Humbert - Complete Mechanical Contracting

“Responsibility and honor.”

Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting

“Discipline, discipline, discipline!”

Bob Wilburn - Matrix Construction Co., Inc.

“As a cook in the Seabees (NMCB-40) I grew to love the job & continued to cook after getting out of the military. This led me to start an ice cream parlor during the 1980's waffle cone craze & become inventor of the original flavored cookie cone.”

Eric Nielsen - My Go To Guy Products

“1- Dealing with diversity 2- making well thought out and timely decisions 3- Do what ever it takes to complete the project 4- Turning negative situations into positive results”

Mel Flaget - Point 2 Point Logistics (Independent Landstar Agency)

“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”

Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC

“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC

“The military taught me determination.”

Vernon Williams - The Williams Company

“It has made and kept me Responsible.”

Rowland Givens - The Wright Place Foundation Inc.

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“By developing my organizational skills and giving me pride and determination.”

Eric brackman - RFI Consultants

“Taking control, responsibilities and preparing for adversity and having control of oneself when challenged.”

Ernest Smith - Health Force Drug Test

“Almost 10 years in the USAF taught me many things including trustworthiness, timeliness, honesty, sense of pride, and ethical behavior.”

Michael White - Heritage Heating & Air LLC

“Since I've served in both the Army and Marine Corps, I have made the lessons learned, standard protocol. Just as I had to do to learn how to walk again after getting hit with an I.E.D. while providing convoy security in Iraq.”

Kris Rodriguez - The Rodriguez Insurance Agency

“It gave me the discipline to run a successful business for over 26 years.”

Michael Raffetto - Accurate Forms & Supplies

“For me, military service has instilled discipline and integrity, which carries over in any project I undertake, as well provided me with opportunities to develop and apply leadership skills. I believe these qualities and attributes have prepared me to be a better business owner.”

Maura Meade - AVON - Independent Sales Representative - Maura Meade

“Through training and discipline my service in the military has helped to mold me into a well rounded thinker. It gave me a great deal of structure and that coupled with my creative abilities makes a great combination for success.”

Scott Ceretti - VETS ROCK Inc.

“Being a leader of Marines prepared me to take the reigns of my company and relentley give everything that I possibly can to ensure that our customer base comes first and receives nothing but the highest quality of service.”

Brett Granger - Global Garage Flooring and Design of Houston, LLC.

“Improvise, adapt and overcome!”

Brian Durgin - Durgin's Lawn & Landscape

“I'm able to think outside the box after living and working in many, many boxes.”

Timothy Buskell - Ago

“The military provided a place to mature and see the world without the close protection of my family. Decisions made by myself were totally mine and had its repercussions either positive or negative. This was the place where you learn to be an adult.”

James E. Frederick - TimeLine Management Group, LLC

“Serving in the military as an enlisted soldier made me appreciate how easy life really can be. It's all about making the best of every day and every business opportunity. Family and country!”

Steve Carby - VetRents Equipment & Sales Company

“Planning for multiple scenarios and learning to think independently and still be a team member are just a couple of attributes passed from active military service to being a business owner.”

Alan Ferneau - Tymely Moments - Brandon

“Progressing through the ranks to senior NCO you get to see in many ways different needs of people and what makes them motivated. The organizational skills and personal and material managerial skills are necessary whether you are running a business.”

Paul Marsters - Survival and Rescue Training and Consulting

“As a Marine, I was taught the values of leadership, discipline and camaraderie. This is still very much evident 35 years later.”

Frank Espinoza - Frank H Contractors

“Strong work ethic.”

Stewart Smith - The Crabby Pig

“Attention to detail that is required in the military has driven our business. Getting to jobs on time and completing them with the quality that is required is also a skill pounded into us military members.”

Russ Stark - Surface Specialists of Arrowhead Country

“Never quit or give up!”

Randy Hill - RRJN Inc.

“Made me a strong leader and willing to pursue my goals.”

ramzi torbey - Halo-8

“I am a very disciplined individual who strives to help others above myself at all times. I definitely attribute these qualities to my military training and experience.”

Cirra Turpin - Cirra's Cloud

“Serving in the Army and now the Reserves has helped me to be more aware of the world around me. My organizational and communication skills have improved, I have an increased love for my country and our freedoms. I returned from my 4th deployment to Afghanistan (2012) and am honored to say that I have served with the finest men and women and am grateful for their support and for what we have learned together.”

Adam Peters - Three Willows Counseling, LLC

“Define goals, keep focus and achieve defined objectives.”

Leslie Cooley - Pierce/Cooley Architects, Inc.

“It has given me the discipline to realize that what the mind can see it can achieve!”

Richard Olvera - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard Olvera

“My 10 years in the US Coast Guard has forced me to adapt to learn virtually every other specialty that directly and indirectly affects me. In my experience, almost every system that I have seen in the coast guard has failed around me and I would have to learn how to operate it to ensure it was carried out properly other wise it would negatively affect me. as a result of these broken systems I have been able to learn about technology, administration, management, science and teaching.”

Charles Carver - Triple C Entertainment

“My training helped me to look at a situation and quickly and accurately make educated decisions.”

David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief

“How life is.”

Shari Wahlert - Wahlert Service

“I see paths of opportunities not just roadblocks.”

Eric Wiechert - Eric Wiechert Law Office

“Military service taught me about honor, integrity, service, and responsibility. My accountability to each of my patients comes from a partnership that I create with each of them, much like the soldiers previously under my command.”

Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt - Bello Enterprises, LLC

“Attention to detail and the mindset to get the job done one way or another!”

Michael Jarecke - mjaUSA Hosting & Online Services

“I was a young, slightly wild young man. The Army helped me to grow up fast. I met other young men from around the country that gave me a broader view of life. The Army teaches discipline, a strong work ethic, and a real love for the USA.”

William Templeton - Truck Xtreme

“My Air Force experiences expanded my view of the business workplace and now allows us to uniquely approach the field of human resources through an effective and efficient use of processes, practices and principles.”

Leanne King - SeeKing HR

“Attention to detail is the number one thing I learned from the Army. This helps me everyday while inspecting homes.”

Michael Ivie - IVCO Home Inspection Service

“Work with no supervision.”

Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties

“The military taught me to apply attention to detail in all my work. It has helped my organize, plan and execute the services I provide to my customers.”

William Slusser - Patriot Cleaning Services

“Many traits were derived from military service, especially because of the age of the person. Most service people entered a branch of a service at 18 to 21 years of age. These are formative, learning and experience-gathering years that are nurtured.”

Joel Jablons - The TEEJAY Co.

“Understanding what teamwork it takes to truly take care of specific needs of soldiers directly applies to customer service. You must apply yourself and your team to provide great customer service.”

Richard Tillery - Veterans InfoSec Services

“I've learned to be self-disciplined and adapt to new environments with people of different cultures.”

CURTIS THOMPSON - DJ Tee's Entertainment

“Showed me how to be a leader. If you can lead you can do anything.”

Harry Goodman - Goode Cleaning

“The Army has helped me become a better business owner by giving me the confidence and knowledge to provide people with a service. The leadership tools that I acquired in the army made me a better communicator and listener.”

Richard Baisden - T&D Productions, LLC

“As a Military Veteran, I have learned the importance of being a team player, as well as the ability to organize, and manage in a business environment. I have learned the ability to speak intelligently to any and everyone I meet.”

Deontea Vickers - The Notary Lady Services

“The leadership and team building skills that I learned through the Navy gave me a definite advantage over my competition to build strong foundation with a very committed and dedicated staff.”

Kathryn Murphy - Comfort Keepers - Jacksonville Florida

“I have learned how to handle a challenge.”

Glen Sandiford - My Virtual Accountants

“We are able to produce the required documentation, samples and attention to detail needed to help make our customers approvals and acquisition processes go smoothly.”

Will Cronin - Tiger Foam Insulation

“I realized that anything is possible and we are only limited by our own initiative.”

Joseph Abi-najm - VA Home Inspect, LLC

“Army leadership training and attention to detail have been helpful in executing a strong business plan.”

E Gilvary - Chaos Generation Studios

“Discipline, motivation, and pride.”

Ken Martin - Lodging Kit Company

“Very attentive to detail, caring and sharing with others.”

Jim Shear - Sekurenet Inc.

“Military Service gave me my first introduction to Federal Government work and the discipline that was derived from being a Marine shaped me personally in my work ethics, attitude and dedication to detail. My Marine Corp training was invaluable.”

Valerie Lewis - Valerie Lewis Janitorial

“My military experiential base as a program and project manager, logistical specialist, and variety of other attributes from the service helped keynote the abilities I have learned to develop to be successful as a business owner.”

Dennis R Stebbins - Ventus Travel

“The military prepares people with a unique perspective on challenges. Veterans learn how to approach the world from another angle, and have an unparalleled drive and focus for meeting each challenge.”

Chad Bowerman - The Yellow Dog Group, LLC

“My four years in the military helped me prepare for business by training in personnel, logistics, basic management, movement of manpower, personnel training, discipline, intelligent thinking.”

Bob Socks - BS Marketing & Promotions

“Leadership traits and principles instilled by the Corps.”

Wade Grant - PC Tech MediX

“Service before self, always doing your best, attention to detail.”

Glenn Heald - Santa Talks - A Book by Santa Glenn Heald

“Introduced me to mechanical engineering.”

Paul Martin - Sigma Psi Consulting Engineers, PLLC

“Promptness and discipline!”

DeMond Nelson - XTK Cleaning

“Integrity, time management, work ethic.”

Alexis Marks - YellowWebMonkey Web Design

“I served as a Sargent in a NCO school. My Job was to train our next leaders of men. After leaving the USAF I made my mission to help our men coming home.”

Dan Margolis - Veterans Services of America

“Honor, respect & pride in the job you do for your country or your customers.”

Shon Thompson - Thompson Business Service

“Military service gives one structure, goal and a way to accomplish those goals.”

Richard Hope - Richard Hope Construction

“As a Veteran of the first Gulf War, I know the importance of making the most out of every day. The training I received as a 12B Combat Engineer (1st Infantry Division) has prepared me to clearly assess any situation and to address any challenge in a calm manner. The Army has prepared me for all that life has thrown at me over the years and has given me the ability to lead people in a positive way. My service has reinforced how Blessed I am to be an American, and how Blessed I am to have opportunities to help others!”

Peter Nasarenko - XCL Unlimited LLC

“Provided the discipline needed to manage day-to-day business and unexpected obstacles.”

Arthur Brussard - TruckCourier, Inc

“Learned to be responsible, punctual, dependable, persistent, loyal, appreciate teamwork, respect for self and others, leadership.”

Jesse Willingham - TriMark Marketing Technologies, Inc.

“It's my name on the line. I make sure everything is done right this time and every time.”

Robert Evans - Tree City Lawn Care

“I learned to lead and to make my own decisions and stick to them. Make goals and see them through.”

Joe Robinson - Traffic Safety System LLC

“The Navy prepared me to become a business owner by instilling strong values and discipline to get things accomplished, goal setting and time management. It taught me how to deal with a variety of different people from all walks of life. It taught me to take pride in everything that I do.”

Marc House - Total Shred Solutions, LLC

“I never quit!”

Boone Fowler - FineArtReps

“20 yrs. as a Navy Seabee has taught me a lot of construction skills as well as time management and self discipline.”

Fredrick Trippler - Fix It Fred Handyman Service

“Discipline, organization, stamina, organizational skills.”

Steve Slover - G&S Electrical Services, LLC

“Traveling overseas in the Navy helped me prepare for my extensive travel, working as a Storekeeper provided warehousing knowledge and confidence in working with others overseas.”

Robert Mull - Mull Export Management & Consulting LLC

“My experience in the Army has showed me what to fight for and how a real family of soldiers can live together through all sorts of situations. It also gave me the strength to endure hardships as in business. While serving in Iraq I saw a need to create a private internet network so our unit could communicate back home to our families and friends, and it still up today.”

Marlon Williams - mWillsplace Mobile Inc

“I learned how to prepare an effective business plan and to execute the various details of the plan to the benefit of the organization.”

Ron Denbow - NE Ohio Real Estate, LLC

“1.) Work ethic 2.) Technical training”

Thomas Gaume - Network Computer Services, Inc